Truck bed storage system

ABSTRACT

A truck bed storage system is disclosed which may be readily assembled and unassembled in a bed of a truck. An example of the truck bed storage system includes a frame having an opening formed therethrough. At least one lock mechanism connects the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed. A bedrail stop connected to the frame is configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed. A first panel hinged to the frame forms a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed. A second panel hinged to the frame forms a back side of the storage area formed in the truck bed.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/009,686 filed Jan. 28, 2016 for “Modular Truck Bed Storage System” of Jeff A. Wilson, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/340,220 filed Jul. 24, 2014 for “Modular Truck Bed Storage System” of Jeff A. Wilson and claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/865,742 filed Aug. 14, 2013 for “Truck Storage” of Jeff A. Wilson, each hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Pickup trucks continue to be a popular choice of consumers for a variety of uses (e.g., personal/recreational and commercial transportation). One reason for their popularity is the truck bed which enables transport of cargo and other articles outside of the passenger cabin. Unfortunately, anything stowed in the truck bed generally remains visible and is susceptible to weather and theft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example truck bed storage system as it may be installed in a truck bed.

FIG. 2 shows the example truck bed storage system shown in FIG. 1 removed from a truck bed.

FIG. 3 illustrates installation of the example truck bed storage system in a truck bed.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view showing a lock mechanism of the example truck bed storage system.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view showing an end-plate fastener of the example truck bed storage system.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view showing a bedrail op of the example truck bed storage system.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are close-up views showing a side wing of the example truck bed storage system.

FIGS. 8A-8C show an example truck bed storage system with an extension panel.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view showing a lock mechanism of the example truck bed storage system shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example truck bed storage system with an upper transport deck.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show another example truck bed storage system with an upper transport deck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

About 10 years ago, the standard pickup bed length was 8 feet long. Today it is between about 6 and 6.5 feet long. The “standard” tool box width is about 2 feet. Therefore, the standard tool box uses approximately 30% of the total bed length. With the 6 foot bed, a 30% loss of the bed length becomes a problem. A “standard” cargo box uses approximately 60% of the bed length, creating an even bigger problem. Pickup trucks are designed for open bed hauling, and tool boxes and cargo boxes tend to restrict that use. For example, truck owners often have to remove their tool box 3 or 4 times every month to accommodate open bed hauling.

The truck bed storage system disclosed herein enables a cargo box and/or tool box configuration with a quick conversion to open bed hauling. In addition, the conversion can be made even when away from home, because the box remains fastened to the truck and allows for 100% open bed hauling.

A truck bed storage system is disclosed which may be readily assembled and unassembled in a bed of a truck or “truck bed.” An example of the truck bed storage system includes an end panel, and a lid assembly forming a compartment in the truck bed. The example truck bed storage system is configured for securement to at least one sidewall of a truck bed. In an example, surfaces of the truck bed itself (e.g., sidewalls and floor) are used to form part of the storage compartment. The truck bed storage system can be readily uninstalled from the truck bed, and easily stored (e.g., in a small storage closet).

Conventional tonneau covers often require one to one and a half hours of installation time. Even after the tonneau cover has been installed the first time (e.g., the holes are drilled into the truck bed), reinstalling the tonneau cover is a laborious project. Often, the cover is not uninstalled, because it takes so long and may even need two people to remove/install. Even simple tool boxes can require one-half hour or more initial installation time.

In contrast, the two-sided box and cover disclosed herein are a simple and quick to install without needing tools. An example of the truck bed storage system includes a frame having an opening formed therethrough; at least one lock mechanism to connect the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed; a bedrail stop connected to the frame, the bedrail stop configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed; a first panel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed; and a second panel hinged to the frame, the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formed in the truck bed.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

It should be further noted that the truck bed storage system should not be limited to dimensions which may be represented in the figures. Various sizes and dimensions may be used to accommodate a variety of vehicles (e.g., large and smaller truck beds) and/or various configurations of the truck bed storage system itself. Nor should the truck bed storage system be limited to any particular material of manufacture. In addition, components shown and described in the example(s) may be interchanged and/or added to and/or removed from components of another of the example(s).

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example truck bed storage system 10 as it may be installed in a truck bed 1. FIG. 2 shows the example truck bed storage system 10 shown in FIG. 1 removed from the truck bed 1. FIG. 3 illustrates installation of the example truck bed storage system 10 in truck bed 1. FIG. 4 is a close-up view showing a lock mechanism of the example truck bed storage system 10. FIG. 5 is a close-up view showing an end-plate fastener of the example truck bed storage system 10. FIG. 6 is a close-up view showing a bedrail stop of the example truck bed storage system 10.

The example truck bed storage system 10 includes a frame 12 having an opening 13 (see FIG. 4) formed therethrough. At least one lock mechanism (e.g., lock sliders 14 a-b and 15 a-b visible in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 4-5) connects the frame 12 to one or more of the sidewalls 2 a and 2 b of the truck bed 1. A bedrail stop (e.g., brackets 16 a and 16 b or “angle irons”) may be connected to the frame 12. The bedrail stop is configured to fit over a front portion 3 of the truck bed 1 and stops the frame 12 from sliding away from the front portion 3 of the truck bed 1. A first panel 18 is hinged to the frame 12 (e.g., by hinges 20 a and 20 b shown in FIG. 2). The first panel 18 forms a lid of a storage area 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 1B and FIG. 4) formed in the truck bed 1. A second panel 24 is hinged to the frame 12 (e.g., by hinges 26 a and 26 b shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B). The second panel 24 forms a back side of the storage area 22 formed in the truck bed 1.

The storage system may be provided in any of a variety of sizes according to the size of the storage space desired and the size of the pick-up truck bed into which the system will be assembled. Any of a variety of articles may be held within an assembled truck-bed storage system, for example, tools and camping equipment.

In an example, the first panel or lid 18 rotates on the hinges 16 a and 16 b to lift away from the frame 12 to open the storage area 22 formed in the truck bed 1. The second panel or back side 24 can be folded under the frame 12, e.g., by rotating on hinges 26 a and 26 b. Folding the back side 24 opens or provides rearward access to the storage area 22 formed in the truck bed 1, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. Folding the back side 24 also enables ready transport and storage of the truck bed storage system 10, e.g. as illustrated by FIG. 2.

In an example, the lock mechanism (e.g., slide locks 14 a-b and 15 a-b) stops the frame from lifting up from the sidewalls 2 a-2 b of the truck bed 1 without modifying the sidewalls of (e.g., drilling through or attaching to) the truck bed. For example, the slide locks 14 a-b and 15 a-b may be configured to slide under the inside sidewall 2 a and 2 b of the truck bed 1, and substantially or completely stop the frame 12 from lifting up from the sidewall 2 a and 2 b of the truck bed 1.

In an example, the truck bed storage system 10 includes end-plate fasteners 28 a and 28 b, as shown in FIG. 3. The end-plate fasteners 28 a and 28 b may be connected on a first end to a lower portion of the end-plate 24, and the end-plate fasteners 28 a and 28 b may be connected on a second end to the frame 12. The end-plate fasteners 28 a and 28 b may be configured to secure the end-plate 24 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) and keep the end-plate 24 from inadvertently opening and spilling contents stored in the storage area 22. The end-plate fasteners 28 a and 28 b may be removed on at least one end to enable opening of the end-plate 24 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B).

In an example, handles 30 a and 30 b may be provided (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A on the lid 18). Handles 30 a and 30 b may facilitate the user lifting and lowering the lid 18. The handles 30 a and 30 b may also facilitate the user to install and remove the truck bed storage system 10 into and out of the truck bed 1. Other accessories may also be provided (e.g., locks and hooks).

During installation, the truck bed storage system 10 can be placed into the truck bed 1. No drilling is needed. The frame 12 may be secured to the side walls of the truck bed 10 with slider locks or other lock mechanism. To remove the truck bed storage system 10, the process for installation can be reversed. Installation and removal of the truck bed storage system 10 may easily be performed by a single person. When removed from the truck bed 1, the truck bed storage system 10 occupies a small space (e.g., relative to the space defined by installed truck bed storage system 10). This feature facilitates storage and transport of the system.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described above are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized to carry out the operations described herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are close-up views showing a side wing 32 of the example truck bed storage system 10. In an example, the truck bed storage system 10 includes a third panel on one side, and a fourth panel on the other side. The third panel is a first wing 32 forming a first sidewall of the storage area 22 formed in the truck bed 1. The fourth panel is a second wing 32 forming a second sidewall of the storage area 22 formed in the truck bed 10. The first wing 32 is hinged 33 to a first side of the back-plate 24, and the second wing 32 is hinged to a second side of the back-plate 24.

FIGS. 8A-8C show an example truck bed storage system 10 with an extension panel 34. In an example, the extension panel 34 is hinged to the frame 12. This enables the extension panel 34 to be moved from a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8A), to a partially open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8B), to a fully open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8C). The extension panel 34 may cover all or a portion of the remaining truck bed 1 behind the lid 18 of the truck bed storage system 10.

In an example, a truck owner wishing to store items in a secure manner in a truck bed may decide to use the truck bed storage system 10. By way of illustration, the dimension of the inner space may cover about a quarter of the truck bed, one-third of the truck bed, one-half of the truck bed, about two-thirds of the bed, or the entire truck bed. It is noted that lid sections may be substantially the same size, or the sections may be different sizes. The arrangement enables a user to store items inside the storage system in front of the storage system area but under the lid, extending partially outside of the lid and/or on top of the lid.

It is noted that the truck bed storage system 10 is shown in FIG. 8A for purposes of illustration including optional side rails 36, as will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10A-10B and 11A-11B. It is noted that the side rails 36 may be folded to enable opening of the extension panel 34 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C).

It is also noted that the truck bed storage system 10 is configurable and reconfigurable, e.g., for different purposes and/or to haul various size loads. In an example, transformation time is less than two minutes.

In an example, a smaller box and/or toolbox may be provided by installing the mounting bracket and end plate into the position closest to the cab of the truck. The lid is folded in half and this forms the smaller box. The folded lid can be fastened down for traveling. The lid folds down to cover the entire box. To access the box, the lid folds in half, the two sides of the lid lift and stand upright against the cab of the truck.

When both lids are upright, these can be locked or fastened into position. In FIG. 8C, the lid 18 has been folded up to enable placement of large boxes in the truck bed 10. In an example; a larger box and/or cargo box may be provided by folding the end plate 24. To switch from the smaller box to a larger box, the mounting bracket and end plate move, and the lid unfolds.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view showing a lock mechanism of the example truck bed storage system shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. In an example, the extension panel 34 may be secured to the inside lip of the truck bed 1 sidewalls 2A and 2B by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include slider locks 38 operable similar to the slider locks 14 a and 14 b already described above.

The latches or slide locks may be mounted to the lid 18. In an example, the slider locks 38 (and/or the slider locks 14 a and 14 b) may be mounted to the extension panel 34 by appropriately sized spacers 40. Spacers 40 enable a snug fit so that the slider locks fit under the inner lip of the sidewalls 2A and 2B of the truck bed 1. For example, if the bed rails and various building materials are not an exact thickness or level surface, the spacers help compensate for the difference.

In an example, the latches may be extended under the inner lip of the sidewall in the truck bed to secure the frame to the truck bed. The latches secure the truck bed storage system 10 to the truck bed 1 without having to drill holes into the truck bed. As such, the truck bed storage system 10 interlocks within itself and the truck bed 1 without the drilling of holes or the use of tools.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example truck bed storage system 10 with an upper transport deck 42. FIGS. 11A and 11B show another example truck bed storage system 10 with an upper transport deck 44. In these examples, the truck bed storage system 10 is configured to haul a load on top.

For example, in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the upper transport deck 42 is configured to carry one or more bicycle 46 and stroller 48. Of course, the upper transport deck 42 may be configured to carry other types of vehicles (e.g., canoe, wheelbarrow, etc.). The upper transport deck 42 is not limited to carrying vehicles. For example, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the upper transport deck 44 is configured to carry a pet carrier 50 and/or a pet 52 (inside or outside of the pet carrier 50). Additional components (e.g., bike wheel guide 47 and pet slider 51) may also be provided to help maintain the position of cargo.

The side rails or fence 36 may also be provided to enable carrying of other cargo (e.g., suitcases, groceries, etc.) on the upper transport deck. Gates 54 may be provided to enable ready access through the fence 36 to the upper transport deck. The gates 54 may be locked by locks 56.

Still further examples are contemplated. The example configurations disclosed herein are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting in any manner.

In an example, the truck bed storage system 10 may include one or more compartments. In an example, these compartments are referred to as a cargo box and a tool box. For example, the larger compartment is generally referred to as a cargo box, and the smaller compartment is generally referred to as a tool box. Partitions may also be provided.

It is noted that the rear panel enables the truck bed storage system to have configurable storage areas formed therein. In an example, the rear panel is positioned closer to the truck cab to provide a tool storage area. However, the rear panel and/or other partition panels (not shown) may be arranged in any desired configuration. In another example, even a single end panel may provide different size compartments in the truck bed storage system (e.g., by positioning the panel at different locations in the truck bed.

It is noted that the truck bed storage system 10 may be manufactured of any suitable material, such as but not limited to, metal (e.g., aluminum diamond plated material is shown as an example in the drawings), plastic, metal or plastic-coated wood, and/or other materials.

The storage system may be provided in any of a variety of sizes according to the size of the storage space desired and the size of the pick-up truck bed into which the system will be assembled. Any of a variety of articles may be held within an assembled truck-bed storage system, for example, tools and camping equipment.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A truck bed storage system, comprising: a frame having an opening formed therethrough; at least one lock mechanism to connect the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed; a bedrail stop connected to the frame, the bedrail stop configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed; a first panel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed; and a second panel hinged to the frame, the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formed in the truck bed; wherein the at least one lock mechanism stops the frame from lifting up from the sidewall of the truck bed without modifying the sidewall of the truck bed; and wherein the at least one lock mechanism is at least one slide lock configured to slide under the sidewall of the truck bed and stop the frame from lifting up from the sidewall of the truck bed.
 2. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, wherein the first panel lifts away from the frame to open the storage area formed in the truck bed.
 3. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, wherein the second panel folds under the frame to open the storage area formed in the truck bed.
 4. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, further comprising an end-plate fastener.
 5. The truck bed storage system of claim 4, wherein the end-plate fastener is connected on a first end to a lower portion of the second panel, and the end-plate fastener is connected on a second end to the frame.
 6. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, further comprising a third panel and a fourth panel.
 7. The truck bed storage system of claim 6, wherein the third panel is a first wing forming a first sidewall of the storage area formed in the truck bed.
 8. The truck bed storage system of claim 7, wherein the fourth panel is a second wing forming a second sidewall of the storage area formed in the truck bed.
 9. The truck bed storage system of claim 8, wherein the first wing is hinged to a first side of the second panel, and the second wing is hinged to a second side of the second panel.
 10. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, further comprising an extension panel.
 11. The truck bed storage system of claim 10, wherein the extension panel is hinged to the frame.
 12. The truck bed storage system of claim 10, further comprising at least one lock mechanism to secure the extension panel to the sidewall of the truck bed.
 13. The truck bed storage system of claim 1, further comprising an upper transport deck.
 14. The truck bed storage system of claim 13, wherein the upper transport deck has a gated fence.
 15. The truck bed storage system of claim 13, wherein the upper transport deck is configured to carry a bicycle.
 16. The truck bed storage system of claim 13, wherein the upper transport deck is configured to carry a pet carrier.
 17. A truck bed storage system, comprising: a frame having an opening formed therethrough; at least one lock mechanism to connect the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed; a bedrail stop connected to the frame, the bedrail stop configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed; a first panel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed; a second panel hinged to the frame, the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formed in the truck bed; and a third panel and a fourth panel, the third panel is a first wing forming a first sidewall of the storage area formed in the truck bed; wherein the fourth panel is a second wing forming a second sidewall of the storage area formed in the truck bed; and wherein the first wing is hinged to a first side of the second panel, and the second wing is hinged to a second side of the second panel.
 18. A truck bed storage system, comprising: a frame having an opening formed therethrough; at least one lock mechanism to connect the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed; a bedrail stop connected to the frame, the bedrail stop configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed; a first panel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed; a second panel hinged to the frame, the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formed in the truck bed; and an extension panel hinged to the frame.
 19. A truck bed storage system, comprising: a frame having an opening formed therethrough; at least one lock mechanism to connect the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed; a bedrail stop connected to the frame, the bedrail stop configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed; a first panel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed; a second panel hinged to the frame, the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formed in the truck bed; an extension panel; and at least one lock mechanism to secure the extension panel to the sidewall of the truck bed.
 20. A truck bed storage system, comprising: a frame having an opening formed therethrough; at least one lock mechanism to connect the frame to a sidewall of a truck bed; a bedrail stop connected to the frame, the bedrail stop configured to fit over a front portion of the truck bed and stop the frame from sliding away from the front portion of the truck bed; a first panel hinged to the frame, the first panel forming a lid of a storage area formed in the truck bed; a second panel hinged to the frame, the second panel forming a back side of the storage area formed in the truck bed; and an upper transport deck having a gated fence. 